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At Turning Point, we provide free and confidential BBV testing, advice and support to help people understand their status and access treatment where needed. If you're looking for support in your local area, you can find your nearest Turning Point service.
Many people living with a blood-borne virus have no symptoms and may not realise they have an infection. Testing can provide reassurance, help you access treatment early and support better long-term health outcomes.
What Is a Blood-Borne Virus (BBV)?
A blood-borne virus (BBV) is a virus that can be passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact.
The most common blood-borne viruses are:
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
In many cases, blood-borne viruses do not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages. Someone can feel completely well and still be living with a BBV.
The only way to know your status is through blood-borne virus testing.
Who Should Have BBV Testing?
You may benefit from BBV testing if you have ever:
- Had unprotected sex
- Injected drugs, even if it was only once or many years ago
- Shared needles, syringes or other injecting equipment
- Shared snorting or smoking equipment
- Had a tattoo or piercing in an unregulated setting
- Been concerned about possible blood-to-blood contact
- Never been tested before and believe you may be at risk
It doesn't matter whether a potential exposure happened recently or years ago. It's never too late to get tested.
Why Is Blood-Borne Virus Testing Important?
Getting tested helps you take control of your health.
Early diagnosis means treatment and support can begin sooner, helping to reduce the risk of serious health complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Benefits of BBV Testing
- Provides peace of mind
- Helps protect partners, friends and family
- Reduces the spread of infections
- Connects you with healthcare and support services
- Enables access to treatment sooner
Many people delay testing because they are worried about the result. However, knowing your status gives you the information and support you need to look after your health.
Learn more about the importance of testing and early diagnosis of Hep C.
Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment
One of the most common misconceptions about hepatitis C is that people must live with it forever.
Today, hepatitis C treatment is highly effective, and most people can be cured with a short course of tablets lasting around 8 to 12 weeks, often with minimal side effects.
Hepatitis C Treatment Is:
- Highly effective
- Straightforward
- Available free through the NHS
- Often completed within a few months
The sooner hepatitis C is identified through hepatitis C testing, the sooner treatment can begin.
If you think you may have been exposed, it's important to get tested for hepatitis C as early diagnosis can help improve outcomes.
You can also read Kasia's hepatitis C recovery story to learn how testing and treatment helped one Turning Point service user achieve a cure and improve her health.
Hepatitis B Testing, Vaccination and Support
Unlike hepatitis C, hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination.
For people living with hepatitis B, treatment and regular monitoring can help manage the virus and reduce the risk of serious liver damage.
Why Hepatitis B Testing Matters
Hepatitis B testing can:
- Identify an infection early
- Help protect your long-term health
- Connect you with the right support services
- Reduce the risk of passing the virus to others
Early diagnosis gives people more options for monitoring, treatment and support.
HIV Testing and Modern HIV Treatment
An HIV diagnosis is no longer what many people fear it may be.
Modern HIV treatment enables people to live long, healthy lives while continuing to work, build relationships and enjoy everyday activities.
Treatment typically involves antiretroviral therapy (ART), often in tablet form. These medicines reduce the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable level. When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on.
HIV Prevention Options
There are also medicines that can help prevent HIV:
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- Taken by people who are HIV-negative
- Reduces the risk of acquiring HIV
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- Taken after possible exposure to HIV
- Should be started as soon as possible following exposure
Early HIV testing remains one of the most important ways to access treatment and support quickly.
What Happens During a BBV Test?
Many people feel nervous before attending for testing, but the process is often much simpler than expected.
A free BBV test usually involves:
- A finger-prick blood sample
- A short conversation with a trained member of staff
Our teams will explain the process clearly and answer any questions you may have.
There is no judgement, pressure or obligation.
Free, Confidential BBV Testing at Turning Point
At Turning Point, we believe everyone should have access to healthcare and support in a safe, welcoming environment.
Whether you are looking for reassurance, concerned about your health or need support to access treatment, our team is here to help. Our confidential BBV testing service is designed to be supportive, accessible and non-judgemental.
Getting tested is not about being judged. It's about looking after your health.
Harm Reduction: How to Reduce the Risk of Blood-Borne Viruses
Testing is important, but there are also practical ways to reduce the risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses.
Turning Point provides specialist harm reduction support, including safer injecting advice, needle and syringe programmes, and overdose prevention resources.
Harm Reduction Tips
- Avoid sharing needles, syringes, pipes, snorting tools or other injecting equipment
- Use condoms, gloves and other barrier protection during sex
- Access sterile equipment and advice from your local drug service
- Mark equipment or use different colours to identify your own
- Use low dead space needles and syringes where possible
- Dispose of used equipment safely in sharps bins
- Return sharps bins to participating pharmacies or drug services
- Ensure tattoos and piercings are carried out by licensed professionals using sterile equipment
- Consider receiving the hepatitis B vaccination if eligible
- Seek advice from local drug and alcohol support services if you are unsure about your risk
If you use drugs and would like practical advice on staying safer, speak to your local service about available harm reduction options, including sterile equipment, safer use guidance and blood-borne virus testing.
Small steps can make a significant difference in protecting both your health and the health of others.
Don't Wait for Symptoms
Many blood-borne viruses can remain undetected for years without causing symptoms.
Waiting until you feel unwell may mean missing an opportunity for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A simple test today could help protect your future health.
Get Tested Today
Getting tested is one of the easiest ways to take control of your health.
BBV Testing Is:
- Free
- Confidential
- Quick
- Simple
- Potentially life-changing
Whether you're seeking reassurance or support to access treatment, Turning Point is here to help.
Find support near you and speak to a member of the team about BBV testing and treatment options available in your area.
If you think you may be at risk of a blood-borne virus, don't wait. Get tested today. Knowing your status could make all the difference.
You can create positive change in your life too.
Get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBV Testing
Is BBV testing free?
Yes. Turning Point provides free and confidential BBV testing through many of its services. Testing is designed to be accessible, supportive and straightforward, helping people understand their status and access treatment if needed. If you're unsure where to get tested, speak to your local Turning Point team about the options available in your area.
Can I have a blood-borne virus without symptoms?
Yes. Many people living with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV experience no symptoms, particularly during the early stages of infection. In some cases, symptoms may not develop for years. This means someone can feel completely healthy while living with a blood-borne virus. Testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
How long does a BBV test take?
The appointment itself is usually brief and many people are surprised by how simple the process is. Your local service will explain the testing process, what results to expect and how those results will be shared with you.
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern hepatitis C treatment is highly effective and can cure most people with a short course of tablets. Treatment is available free through the NHS and is often completed within a matter of weeks. Early testing helps ensure treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Why is early HIV testing important?
Early HIV testing enables people to access treatment and support sooner. Modern HIV treatments can reduce the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable level, helping people stay healthy and preventing onward transmission. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.